The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-01-14
Pine Township District Institute.

Saturday, December 18th was the most
unpleasant day of the month 1t opened
with snow which changed to rain, snow
and sleet before the day was three hours
old Notwithstanding this incemency of
the weather, a respectable number of the
Karchner's Church to be present at the dis
trict institute advertised to be held at that
place, on the above date. The church
would no doubt have been filled to overflow,
had the day been pleasant. The big guns
which had been announced were all pres
ent and were discharged in proper style.
Supt. j. S. Grimes was elected chairman
and Miss Mary Faus, secretary of the insti-
tute
The exercises began with singing, follow
ed by reading from the scriptures and
prayer by Prof. Noetling.
Pupils from the Barton school gave a
well prepared recitation. Eva Faus recited
''The Water Wheel Rachael Faus, "rwo
an account of her First Trip to Eagles
mere"
Prof, Noetling spoke of the improve
ments 10 our schools made in recent years:
and how all these Improvements had been
opposed by the people. Years ago children
had to spend from two TO three winters in
school before they were able to read. Men
beccme great in spite OF the old sch hools.
f'upt Grimes gave his talk on Re adlng.
Pupils should know how to pronounce all
the words and comprehend their meaning
before reading. Supplementary reading
should be introduced into our schools. II
is of the yreatest importance that emphasis
be taught. Teachers must crea:e IA loye in
their pupils for reading. Let the pupils
criticise one another.
After singing the institute adjourned un-
till l, p IN
The institute reopened with singing.
Prof. Noetling was asked "What can teach.
ers do when parents object to their children
studying all the branches required?" He
answered by saying that parents could not
object il they knew the use OF the required
branches.
Mr.. W II. Snyder was then called upon
and spoke at considerable length. He gave
an interesting account of the changes and
improvements that have taken place in the
schools of Pine within a few years. Girls
should learn to read and write as well as do
house work. Teachers who have not their
heart in their work are robbing the taxpay.
ers Of their money and the children OF the
best period of their lives for improvement.
Pupils should study what they need when
they become men and women. When the
tongue cannot reach the heart, the rod
must reach the Lack.
Miss Mary Fans read an interesting essay
on the "Teacher's Work"
Prof Heck gave some of his experience,
as pupil, in relation to corporal punish
ment and said that he would not resort to
it until all other means of su5dulng refrac.
tory youth had been tried and failed. He
spoke OF the bad effects of giving pupils
many studies to pursue and the following
are few of his thoughts Most great men
received their early instruction in country
schools. No man though he should live
900 years can master all branches OF
learning but man does unusually well II
he master one branch. From the nature
OF the mind and of learning, to be most
useful in life, We must devote all our ener-
gies to one branch Of study and master it
as nearly as possible. The specialist is the
most useful member of society and one
sought after in emergencies, because he
knows more of one branch than any one
else and can apply his knowledge more